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1984 Grey/Silvery Subaru EA81 GL Wagon - Automatic 4WD, Power Steering, Power Windows, Air Conditioning, Electric Dash with Trip Computer, requires panel work on the front side door and panel, unknown to start because the battery is flat. Rear Seats needs replacing bec the trim is "sun burnt" which is worn to foam rubber as foam rubber is exposed. - Price - $400 AU (@$289USD)

What I would like to do if i got 1985 Leone Sedan is to complete my dream project is to install 4WD D/R Transmission on it, and it would've been a nice car to drive around.. or.... get EA81 Automatic wagon and convert it to D/R 5 Speed Manual instead of automatic and have to replace the rear diff as well...

What would you guys get??
In my opinion I think I'd rather get the EA82 Leone and do my project on it..

Both Cars above doesnt have rego on them at all.
Thanks for your answers
Tristan

How senstive are EA82 on offroad issues??, my future for the EA82 models was made for as a "weekender" car such as basic 4WD, but won't be advanced like where Toyota Land Cruiser would go!! & also join Subaru 4WD club in Victoria.

I also have another FWD car and will only be used for on road use/everyday use.

I've always admired EA82 models because yes you're right they're roomer in the rear and front and the seats can fold down, good enough for long things like the trimmer etc, and I've grown up along with EA82s.

If this is going to be a serious offroad car, I would go with the ea81. Definitely better offroad, but they are more "primitive" and don't have as much room.

If you aren't doing any hardcore wheeling, I would recommend the ea82 wagon. You can always lift it if it won't go where you need it to.

I've owned an ea82 wagon since before I got my license, and I briefly owned an ea81 wagon. For my use, the ea82 was better because I haven't really done any extreme offroading, and I usually need extra room for people and supplies.

EA81s are simpler to work on, have "real" 4WD (four speeds driving 4 wheels, with the option of a low range), are all carbureted, don't have timing belts, and generally speaking have less to go wrong with than EA82s. But EA82s are more comfortable, faster, larger on the inside, more stable in corners, and have more options available. The choice is yours.

Originally posted by WagonsOnly EA81s are simpler to work on, have "real" 4WD (four speeds driving 4 wheels, with the option of a low range), are all carbureted, don't have timing belts, and generally speaking have less to go wrong with than EA82s. But EA82s are more comfortable, faster, larger on the inside, more stable in corners, and have more options available. The choice is yours.

"Real" 4wd? EA82s also come with a D/R tranny.. plus they have the same 4wd split as EA81s.. its 50/50.. also, the 4wd doesn't drive all four wheels on an EA81 or EA82. At best, with a welded rear diff, its 3wd

EA81s are not all carburated.. turbo models are MPFI.

I personally prefer EA82 models. However, I believe that the approach angles and such on EA81s are better

Since the original poster is in OzLand, I highly recommend the BYB board for more local info. Anyone that looks there will also note that the majority of their offroad rides are EA82 cars.. hmm.. maybe they know something we don't.

As a response calebz quandry of why they mostly wheel ea82s, it looks like they basically ran out of ea81s. Now they're getting into early legacys and such, so it seems that the old ones are just not around anymore down under.

the differences are that with ea81s there is less electronics and no timing belts, and a higher intake (which can be remedied with ea82) making them better water crossers. An ea81 wagons overhang isn't miles better than the ea82, but the ea81 hatch is much better in the back. The ea82 5spd DR actually has a lower low range 1.59:1 vs 1.45:1) than an ea81, so in that respect it is better. You also have the option of fuel injection, and more power.
I haven't owned an ea81, but I'm happy with my ea82 wagon. If soobies arent too rare, keep looking for a dual range 4wd wagon of any kind. The ea81 wagon you show has no low range, and your ea82 is 2wd, both cars would take a bit of work to convert. In general for 4x4ing get an ea81, it will be cheaper as well.